Why you should go on a photo walk...
Why you should go on a photowalk…
A photo walk is the practice of going to a specific location to walk around to take photos. Wikipedia defines photowalk as: the act of walking with a camera for the main purpose of taking pictures of things that a photographer might find interesting. Obviously...
But a photo walk can be so much more than that! If you invite friends or others who share your passion for photography to walk with you, it can be a social event. It can be a source of inspiration, if you feel like you’re in a photography rut, and it can also be a time of learning new techniques and sharing your own knowledge and ideas with fellow photographers. Going on a photo walk, as part of a group or solo, can give your confidence behind the camera a huge boost. Going on a photo walk gives you time and space to practice your camera skills; can help you find inspiration in the environment around you, and can help you discover new and exciting places to take images.
A solo photo walk can also be a great way to step away from the daily routine and be one with your camera and surroundings. When going on a photo walk, as part of a group, you’ll be with fellow photographers to take inspiration from and bounce ideas off. You can also make some good friends in the process. Photography shouldn’t always be a solo venture; being part of a community can bring so much more to your craft.
It’s a chance to challenge yourself, to try something you don’t usually do, like shooting with only one lens or shooting in black and white. Challenges help you to improve your work. One of the main reasons to photo walk is to practice your skills as a photographer, and to stretch your skills by trying new things and learning from others. Photographers of all skill levels can benefit from a photo walk, as participants can observe and learn from those more advanced, or help and encourage those who are just beginning to develop their interest in cameras and photography.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to a photo walk is to enjoy the experience; to embrace the environment around you, not just the sights, but the sounds and smells too. It all feeds into your photography. Photo walks are all about exploration, creativity, and trying out new things.
Have you ever participated in an organised photowalk? If so, what has been your experience? What style and subjects have you shot? Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. And, by all means, please join me us on our next photo walk...
“It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter.”
~ German photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898-1995)
